Dec 2, 2008

India - Karat apologises for Achuthanandan's 'dog' remark

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Tuesday described as "regrettable" Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan's derogatory remarks directed at the family of commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed by terrorists in Mumbai.

"Certain remarks made by Achuthanandan are regrettable," Karat said in a brief statement issued while campaigning for elections in Rajasthan.

"I have spoken to him (chief minister) over telephone from Rajasthan. He has assured that he had no other intention but to go to the home of Unnikrishnan, who was brutally killed by terrorists, to pay homage and to condole with the family."

After the slain commando's father virtually chased away the chief minister, Achuthanandan said publicly that even a dog would not go to the dead man's house if he had not been a "martyr".

Achuthanandan's remarks have caused outrage across the country, leading to Karat's intervention